5 most incredible discoveries of the week

Aug. 24, 2013
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A University of Minnesota biologist found that in two species of small mammals, specimens from urban environments had larger brain compartments than their rural counterparts. / Andrew Yates, AFP/Getty Images

by Newser Editors, USATODAY

by Newser Editors, USATODAY

Among this week's most fascinating discoveries: two rings, one with a moving backstory, and one whose past is of a more murderous nature.

1. WWII POW's treasured ring finds its way home: Faced with bug-infested soup and little hope, a WWII prisoner of war traded his precious ring to an Italian POW for a few chocolate bars. Some 68 years later, the ring has found its way from a Bavarian village back to America.

2. Archaeologists find unusual murder weapon: a ring. Archaeologists have uncovered a cache of jewelry among the ruins of Bulgaria's Cape Kaliakra. But one of the more than 30 pieces found there over the last two years is getting particular attention-a ring that may have doubled as a murder weapon.

3. Voyager may have left solar system - a year ago: The Voyager 1 spacecraft was expected to leave our solar system any day now. Now scientists say it may actually have already done so-more than a year ago. Here's why scientists may have missed the event.

4. Mystery people beat Vikings to islands by 500 years: Vikings reached the Faroe Islands some 1,200 years ago, but it turns out that was no immortal achievement. New research indicates that they were beaten there there by as many as 500 years. But who got there first?

5. City mice smarter than country mice: City dwellers have evolved bigger brains than their rural counterparts, a new study suggests-at least among white-footed mice and meadow voles. A University of Minnesota biologist looked at the skulls of 10 species of small mammals, and made quite the discovery.

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